Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift could function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost a lot less to utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you could use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they must be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They can run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are limited spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on difficult surfaces.